Kansas City Chiefs Claim Kyle Orton, but Does Signing Make Sense?

Once the news broke yesterday afternoon that the Denver Broncos had released quarterback Kyle Orton, it was instantly clear that there was zero chance he'd emerge from waivers unclaimed. And indeed, Orton has a new home now, as he was claimed off of waivers by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Though rumors had been swirling that Orton wouldn't report to the Chiefs were they to claim him, that's not a likely outcome. He should be ready to start in Week 13, but depending on exactly how green current starter Tyler Palko really is, he could get the nod this Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The move is completely smart by the Chiefs, who were facing a wide-open AFC West division where, at 4-6 and just two games out of first place, they could actually compete for a playoff spot. With starter Matt Cassel hurt and Palko under center, the Chiefs' season seemed sunk.

Now there's a chance for the team to turn its fortunes around by breathing new life into their offense.

The Broncos offense didn't supply Orton many solid weapons to whom he could throw the ball; though that was just one of his many issues that resulted in him being benched for Tim Tebow. The quality receivers on the Chiefs offense provides him opportunities to succeed.

For all of Orton's struggles, he's not a terrible quarterback and he's certainly an upgrade over Palko. The Chiefs had a serious, immediate need to improve at the position and make a true, concerted push to reach the playoffs.

Considering the other options available to them—the Houston Texans chose Kellen Clemens to join there roster after working out a number of free agents and the Chicago Bears, who also put in a claim for Orton, just added Josh McCown despite everyone else available on the market—it's clear that Orton was the best available quarterback, by a mile.

Whether this means that the Chiefs will have a quarterback controversy on their hands in 2012 is as of yet unknown, considering we've yet to see how Orton performs with his new team.

In the long-term, Orton may have no value to Kansas City at all; but in the shorter-term, when winning now is the biggest concern, the Chiefs have made the right decision.